The Twins, 2-4 on this road trip and 3-7 in their past 10 games, last played the Astros in April at Target Field, winning two of three. They are 9-9 all-time at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. … RHP Kohl Stewart, expected to be the “primary pitcher” Tuesday, is expecting dozens of friends and family members at the game, as he is from nearby Tomball, Texas. … OF Jake Cave is batting .304 on the road trip with four home runs. … C Chris Gimenez has made 11 career pitching appearances, posting a 13.09 ERA. … There is a good chance that LF Eddie Rosario, who strained his right quadriceps Thursday, will not play in this series.

Astros update

A seemingly unstoppable force earlier this season, injuries and offensive lapses have the Astros in a battle with Oakland for the AL West title. Houston is 47-21 on the road but a perplexing 37-32 at home. … Key reliever Chris Devenski was activated from the disabled list (tight hamstring) Wednesday. … Valdez was signed in 2015 as a 21-year-old amateur free agent. Three years later, he is trying to hold down Houston’s No. 5 spot in the rotation. He throws a regular fastball, sinking fastball, power curve and changeup.

Mariano Rivera figures to make quick work of his Hall of Fame ballot appearance, just as he did of opposing batters, and could even set another record when voting is announced Tuesday: for highest percentage of ballots.

Sonny Gray's unsuccessful stretch with the Yankees ended when New York traded the pitcher to Cincinnati after the 29-year-old right-hander agreed to a contract with the Reds that added $30.5 million from 2020-22.